Best Workout Shorts For Men 2024

When you’re shopping for workout shorts, you can easily get distracted by all the features—compression liners, anti-odor technology, performance stretch. Ultimately, the best workout shorts for men appeal to your style and comfort levels, the sports you’ll be doing and your spending budget.

comfortably and confidently.

ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS

For the best workout shorts overall, we recommend the Vuori Kore Short, which is versatile for a variety of activities with an easygoing fit and excellent sweat-wicking qualities. If you’re looking for a no-fuss basic for gym and training sessions that won’t stretch your budget, Nike’s Totality Dri-Fit Versatile Shorts are our top affordable choice. Read on to see all of our picks for the best workout shorts for men, and for more gear, check out our stories on the best casual shoes for men and best polo shirts.

Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 20 total, including Shade and Ojai | Inseam length: 5, 7.5 and 9 inches | Lined: Yes | Materials: Polyester, elastane

The Vuori Kore Short is a popular pick among athletes for a few reasons: It’s classic, easy cut and comfortable fit makes it versatile for the gym and outdoor sports. The anti-odor, moisture wicking fabric has elastane to create 4-way stretch and allow for a full range of motion without any tightness or bunching. This short also comes in lined and unlined options, making it an all-around top choice.

What the reviews say: Many like these for their versatility, one saying “you can dress them up a bit so they can be worn casually as well” and “dare I say the most comfortable shorts I own,” while some note sizing inconsistency when compared to other shorts from the brand.

Nike

Nike Totality Dri-Fit Versatile Shorts

Sizes: XS to 4XL | Colors: 22 total, including Black and Royal Blue | Inseam length: 7 inches | Lined: No | Materials: Polyester

Nike’s Totality Dri-Fit is a no-frills, get-it-done workout short to keep you moving. Simply tailored with a relaxed fit and knitted fabric, these shorts can handle just about any sports or activity, from running to gym sessions to home workouts. Pockets let you keep essentials with you.

What the reviews say: Multiple reviewers say these are the perfect length, “comfortable for all activities” and “great with pockets that can hold a cell phone.” One wearer, however, warns about the shorts shrinking in the dryer.

Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 17 total, including Misty blue and Stone | Inseam length: 7, 9 inches | Lined: Both lined/unlined | Materials: Polyester, spandex

Rhone’s Mako shorts are lined for comfort and also have a water repellent coating, which means soggy shorts from rain or sweat will not bring you down. The anti-odor treatment helps you get more workouts in between washes, and like the classic gym short, this pair has two open pockets at the hips, plus a zip pocket to stash small valuables like credit card or locker key, and a phone pocket.

What the reviews say: Many say these are “super comfy” and overall “a great pair of shorts for your everyday lounging around or workouts,” while one reviewer reports that the material isn’t very flexible.

Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 14 total, including Black and Light Grey | Inseam length: 5, 7, 9 inches | Lined: Both lined/unlined | Materials: Polyester, spandex

Ten Thousand’s ultra-breathable, ultra-lightweight shorts consistently get high reviews from trainers and athletes. The quick drying shell has 4-way stretch for no-cling performance, and a smooth, no-bunch waistband so you don’t get distracted from your routines. These shorts come in both lined and unlined versions; the lined ones offer medium compression and a permanent silver ion anti-odor treatment.

What the reviews say: Many buyers comment that these are versatile for multiple activities like “weight training and long distance runs” and they offer “lots of mobility.” Some, however, note quality issues after a few wears or washing.

Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 5 total, including Black and Stellar Blue | Inseam length: 5 inches | Lined: Yes | Materials: Polyester, polyamide, elastane

On Running’s Essential Shorts are designed with a technical stretch fabric to provide breathability and flexibility for any type of exercise. An inner brief offers support and comfort without restricting freedom of movement during your workout, while an elastic waistband allows for an adjustable fit. Available in five earth-toned colorways, these shorts also come with side slits for added leg room and two easily accessible side pockets to secure your valuables while you’re on the move.

Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: 2 total, including Navy and Dove | Inseam length: 7 inches | Lined: No | Materials: Polyester, spandex

Outdoor Voices Sunday short is a throwback to classic days of working out in sweats–albeit with an upgrade in performance materials from those old-school cotton team sweats. The heathered material texture feels great on the skin, and works to wick sweat. The loose, comfortable fit and adjustable drawstring closure give you the freedom to move and stretch for easy weekend runs or team sports in the park.

What the reviews say: Reviewers say these fit true-to-size and the sweat-wicking fabric is “thick, allowing for a structured fit that looks not-scruffy for running errands and for walks around the park in the summer.” Some wearers don’t love the new version of the Sunday short has an Outdoor Voices logo on the front.

Lululemon Surge Lined Short

Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 8 total, including White and Sport Red | Inseam length: 6 inches | Lined: Yes | Materials: Polyester, elastane

Lululemon’s workout shorts are known for their pared down designs and for having just enough features to allow you to perform your best. The Surge Short includes a quick-drying mesh liner and a no-bounce pocket for your phone with a headphone cord hole, and you have the ability to stow your shirt in the waistband loop on hot days.

What the reviews say: Wearers love these shorts, saying they’re “comfortable and durable with plenty of room for movement,” while many comment that the discontinued 4-inch inseam version was a better length for running.

Under Armour

Under Armour Training Stretch Shorts

Sizes: XS to 5XL | Colors: 39 total, including Black and Green | Inseam length: 9 inches | Lined: No | Materials: Polyester, elastane

Anyone who has ever worn workout clothes that don’t accommodate or stretch with big thighs and powerful quads knows it’s an issue that can really interfere with working out. Under Armour’s loose and stretchy training shorts don’t constrict movement or distract from the task at hand. Perforated fabric side panels and a water repellent coating mean they’re light and airy, and the stretchy waistband moves with you.

What the reviews say: Many like these shorts for their lightweight feel and how they “fit perfectly with such a good stretch,” but some wearers say the inseam lengths are off, noting that “they’re an inch or more shorter than previous models.”

Best Of The Rest

Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 12 total, including Grey and Mauve | Inseam length: 5, 7 inches | Lined: No | Materials: Recycled polyester (or organic cotton and hemp in select colors)

Patagonia knows outdoor sports—and their Baggies shorts are a long lasting, beloved, almost cult-item in which you can complete just about any type of workout–in the gym, pool or outdoor trails. Simply styled, these quick drying nylon shorts have a DWR water repellent coating, an elastic waistband and come in two inseam lengths.

What the reviews say: Many love Baggies for their versatility and durability, saying they “last forever” and are “great on the trail, the beach, in the gym, on the boat or raft or on the mat.” Meanwhile, many reviewers say they like them better once they cut out the mesh lining.

Sizes: 30 to 42 | Colors: 8 total, including Teak and Burnt Olive | Inseam length: 8, 10 and 12 inches | Lined: No | Materials: Cotton, nylon and spandex

Hikers know that having shorts made from a thicker, abrasion resistant fabric that’s also breathable, moves with you, and offers slightly longer inseams hit some of the key requirements for great shorts. This tough pair of shorts can handle a bit of bushwhacking, overhanging branches, and lunches eaten on rocks, while allowing you to move fast and freely. It also sports seven pockets for stashing all the small necessities you’ll need during and post hike.

What the reviews say: Many comment these shorts are durable and easy to wear, saying they’re “very comfortable” with a “great fit, great movement while hiking, and the material didn’t fray at all even with some rock scrambling and climbing,” while some notice these run large or have inconsistent sizing when ordering multiple pairs.

PrAna

PrAna Super Mojo Short II

Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Dark Iron | Inseam length: 10 inches | Lined: No | Materials: Polyester, elastane

PrAna’s sleekly styled long shorts have a wide, elastic waistband for comfort and 4-way stretch for full-spectrum mobility whether you’re doing yoga, Pilates or mat-based exercises. Moisture-wicking, quick drying and outfitted with three pockets, this pair is also rated highly for everyday lounging.

What the reviews say: Many buyers recommend these “lightweight and breathable” shorts, saying they’re great for “hiking or casual wear.” Although the elastic band is comfortable, some find the shorts might slide down if you carry anything heavy in your pocket.

What To Look For In The Best Men’s Shorts

We tapped into our team’s collective fitness experience and consulted experts, including a seasoned yoga instructor, to pinpoint the most important considerations to keep in mind when shopping for men’s workout shorts:

Inseam

Inseam is an important feature on shorts, and the wrong inseam length will sideline your new shorts quickly. What works best for each person depends on a few things: planned activity and your personal sense of style. For sports requiring a lot of mobility and repetitive motion, inseams around five inches can prevent the shorts from rubbing against your thighs for long periods of time—that’s why many serious runners are often in shorter designs. Some people may be uncomfortable with five inches, so a seven inch inseam with light, loose and stretchy fabric can be a good solution. For workouts that might involve a broad spectrum of movements, and even inversions like yoga, weight lighting or basketball, longer inseams might be preferable so your shorts aren’t riding or sliding up during activities.

Fabric

If you’re doing outdoor sports like hiking, you’ll want thicker, more durable materials to protect against branches and other hazards, but for most activities in the gym, workout classes or around the track, light fabrics with some stretch and moisture-wicking properties are a great choice. You’ll want to choose synthetic materials that dry quickly. Certain designs, like super lightweight but durable polyester, sometimes with mesh, and perforated panels can help accelerate the drying process for summer sports or hot gyms and studios. Options that are stretchier with more fitted cuts are often preferable for activities like yoga or cycling. “Comfort and mobility are the key factors,” says Shoshana Kobrin, a veteran yoga instructor. “For most people that [involves] a little stretch so you don’t feel constrained, and enough coverage that you feel completely comfortable moving your body during workouts and classes.”

Odor Control

Another factor to keep in mind if odor is a concern: Workout shorts with odor-resistant technologies built into the fabric, such as the addition of gold or silver threads and ions, which actually do inhibit the growth of odor causing bacteria, but the efficacy can vary between individual brands.

Style

Versatility is a key consideration for most people: shorts that aren’t confined to just one activity are always preferable in the athletic realm. Consider if you would like to just wear your shorts for sports, or, if you’d like to be able to wear them to and from the gym, maybe some errands, or to grab a coffee. In this case, the style as well as performance should be part of your decision. But luckily, most workout shorts today are meant to pull some double duty, with pockets for your phone, wallet and other essentials, combined with a stylish aesthetic, too.

How Do I Decide Between Lined And Unlined Shorts?

Choosing lined versus unlined shorts is a personal decision, and most people tend to have a strong preference for one or the other, whether you want more support or more freedom. Liners usually sit tight to the skin, meaning they wick sweat well and offer good support, but some people find they are too hot, confining and make it tricky to get in and out of the shorts. Unlined shorts offer more flexibility for you to switch your undergarments at will, and you can wear them more times between washes.

How Can I Prevent My Shorts From Stinking?

When your gear gets wet from sweat or rain, it’s important to dry it as fast as possible (definitely do not leave damp shorts in your gym bag!). Some brands use special silver or gold ion and thread treatments, which help inhibit the growth of microbes–and the stink. But, since you’ll sweat and labor in these shorts, no matter how much anti-odor technology they have, the fabric will build up residue from sweat and skin. So you’ll still need to wash them more frequently than, say, your jeans. Wash them in cold water and hang dry for a clean, fresh finish that helps extend the life of the garment.

How Long Should A Good Pair Of Workout Shorts Last?

The lifespan of your shorts will depend on how much you use them, and how you take care of them. That said, you should expect a quality pair to last at least one year with high use, and longer if you use them infrequently. The first thing to go, however, is usually the stretch quality, so that’s where the cool water washes and skipping the dryer will help (dryers accelerate the breakdown of elastic fibers). The right amount to spend on a pair falls anywhere between about 30 to 80 dollars, depending on what you’re looking for as far as features and materials, and longevity of the garment.